If you have an older scanner that is not programable, but uses
crystals, do a Google search for "scanner
crystals" to find a supplier.
They are still available for usually less than $10 each.

While most scanners are sensitive enough to receive local public
service frequencies, a decent outdoor antenna helps a lot.
Even for the hand held scanner, there are adapters that you can
use to hook up an external antenna in place of the "rubber
duckie" antenna.

A popular commercial scanner antenna is the "Discone
Antenna".
This antenna mounts on a TV mast, is light weight, and
multi-banded (VHF-Lo, VHF-Hi, UHF, 800 MHz).
These can be found by doing a Google search for "Discone
Antenna", and can be bought for less than $100.
You will also need a length of RG-58 coax with connectors to use
to connect your antenna. Both ends of the cable need PL-259
connectors.
If you have a hand held scanner, you will need a "SO-239 to BNC"
adapter.
Simply remove your hand held scanner;s antenna, put the adapter
on, and screw on the coax fitting.
BE CAREFUL with this setup, so that you don't break the antenna
connection inside the scanner.

If you listen mostly to VHF-Hi band frequencies (135 - 175 MHz),
you can build a small ground plane antenna from a SO-239 jack and
some wire.
Use the "2 Meter Dimensions" in the drawing below:

It will not take a lot of height to receive a lot more signals
than you did with your indoor antenna. Just above the peak of
your roof works fine.
ALWAYS BE CAREFUL WHEN INSTALLING ANY OUTDOOR ANTENNA! WATCH FOR
POWER LINES, AND BE SAFE ON LADDERS!

And, last but not least, it may be that you have listened long
enough, and now you want to talk. Consider getting your Amateur
Radio Technician License.
You will be able to talk to the very same hams you hear on your
scanner when you are tuned into the ham frequecies!

If you want to find out who that ham is you are hearing, copy
down their call sign, and go to http://www.qrz.com and enter the call
sign in their search box!

You can contact the McMinn County Amateur Radio Club, Inc. for
additional info! Just click
kg4fzr@yahoo.com .